How to get rid of clothes moths

The complete guide

Clothes moth

Difficulty High

Frequency High

Reproductive rate Up to 100x

Lifecycle Up to 3 years

Clothes moths, or clothing moths, are small flying pests whose larvae feed on natural fibers. They reproduce quickly and can cause significant damage to clothing, furniture, and carpets.

Wool

Cashmere

Silk

Furs

Carpets

Identifying clothes moths

Clothes moth infestations become noticeable when small moths are seen in closets or near carpets and other textiles. The larvae, although discreet, are visible to the naked eye. They secrete silky threads and spin silk cocoons.

Early infestation

Presence of a few moths near closets
Small, isolated holes in clothing and fabrics

Advanced infestation

Presence of many moths near closets
Numerous small holes in clothing and fabrics
Silky threads or cocoons on fabrics
Larvae visible on fabrics

You will need :

Cloth
Dish soap
Vacuum cleaner

Natural predators :

Trichogrammas

How to treat clothes moths?

The most effective and safe strategy is to carry out thorough cleaning to reduce the moth population, restrict access to the most vulnerable textiles, and introduce trichogrammas that parasitize the eggs and prevent the larvae from hatching.

1

Wash the clothes

Remove all clothing and textiles from closets and storage spaces. Wash and dry at high temperatures whenever possible. When not feasible, consider steam treatment.

2

Vacuum thoroughly

Vacuum closets, drawers, baseboards, and around rugs. Pay special attention to under shelves, cracks, and other ideal hiding spots for larvae. Dispose of the vacuum bag immediately.

3

Clean with soap

Clean closets, chests, shelves, and drawers with hot water and dish soap, again focusing on potential hiding spots.

4

Complete drying

Keep doors open and ensure good air circulation until completely dry. Allow a full night before putting clean clothes back in the closet.

5

Trichogrammas

Install trichogramma cards to cover the entire surface of the house. Replace them weekly for at least eight weeks.

A few important points

Trichogrammas are particularly effective when the clothes moth population is reduced. The more thorough the initial cleaning, the higher the chances of success.
Since trichogrammas target only the eggs, treatment must be carried out over a period of at least eight weeks to cover several successive generations.
The use of vacuum-sealed bags is recommended for long-term clothing storage.

Once the treatment is complete

Inspect closets, carpets, and textiles regularly. If a few adults continue to emerge while the overall situation improves, continue introducing trichogrammas. If the infestation seems to return, either the initial cleaning was insufficient or secondary sources of infestation are present.

How can I get rid of clothes moths through washing and drying?

To eliminate all life stages, including eggs, fabrics must be exposed to temperatures above 60°C (140°F) for more than 30 minutes. A full wash and high-heat drying cycle is usually sufficient.

How can I get rid of clothes moths through steaming?

Steam temperature is sufficient to kill clothes moth eggs and larvae on contact. However, make sure the steam is applied long enough to penetrate the fabric thoroughly.

Can clothes moths be eliminated by freezing?

In theory, exposing fabrics to temperatures at or below -18°C (0°F) for at least three days will kill eggs and larvae. In practice, these conditions can be hard to achieve, whether outdoors or in a freezer.

Can clothes moths be eliminated by sun exposure?

Direct exposure to sunlight can disturb larvae and aid in treatment. However, it is usually not sufficient on its own, as only the individuals directly exposed are affected.

Do I need to repeat cleaning before each introduction?

Cleaning is always necessary before the first introduction. If the initial infestation was severe or many insects are still visible at the time of subsequent introductions, it is preferable to carry out another pre-introduction cleaning. Conversely, it is no longer necessary once the infestation appears to be under control.